USVI groups take ‘punishing’ BVI charter fees to Feds
A coalition of USVI marine operators has travelled to Washington, D.C., to draw federal attention to sharply increased charter-vessel fees in the BVI, which they say are triggering a crisis in their charter sector.
The group — organised under Project Fair Waters and led by Crown Bay Marina president Kosei Ohno — met this week with officials from the US Departments of State and Commerce, the US Trade Representative, and the Small Business Administration. Their message: the BVI’s new fees for foreign-based yachts are so steep that they are already driving vessels, revenue and jobs out of the USVI.
Because the BVI is a UK Overseas Territory, the USVI cannot negotiate directly on external affairs — leaving federal intervention as the only route for relief.
Since June 1, foreign-based charter yachts have been required to pay up to $24,000 a year to operate multi-night trips in BVI waters, a massive jump from the former $800 fee. Day-charter fees also leapt from $200 to $8,500. Operators say that when added to customs and port-entry charges, the new structure makes cross-border itineraries financially impossible.
BVI officials say the changes modernise outdated legislation and strengthen oversight of foreign vessels. But USVI operators say the fallout has been immediate: dozens of boats have either re-registered in the BVI or cut BVI routes entirely, draining business from USVI marinas, fuel docks, hotels, restaurants and provisioning companies.
The Professional Charter Association in the USVI estimates the charter sector pumps more than $160 million into that economy each year. Project Fair Waters says about 90 vessels have already shifted their homeport to the BVI, a move they estimate represents nearly $14 million in direct seasonal spending lost — and potentially up to $100 million once indirect effects are counted. Those larger figures have not yet been independently verified, but operators say the early signs are clear: fewer crews stocking up, fewer guests booking hotel rooms, and fewer boats in USVI slips.
“Without swift action, the US Virgin Islands will continue losing American businesses, American jobs, and critical maritime capacity,” Ohno warned.
Both sides held discussions earlier this year, and BVI regulators adjusted parts of the initial proposal after industry pushback. However, foreign-based vessels still face the highest cost tier, a structure USVI operators say undermines a region where boaters treat USVI-BVI waters as a single cruising destination.
Industry leaders now hope the US government will raise the matter diplomatically with the United Kingdom. Whether Washington steps in remains uncertain, but with the charter season underway, USVI operators say every week of inaction means more vessels, and more spending, drifting across the border.
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If ayo dont want to pay then use USVI waters only
and we usvi get fedup and cancle we visa waiver treaty yall better pay that 1500 to fly to usa and to fly barbados to get yah visa renewed lolo
Crown bay said if the BVI boats are not insured, they cant use their docks
Booohoohoo. Pay or stay in the USVI, simple.
A fair question is how long ago were the old fees established/implemented. I suspect that they were introduced/implemented some 25-35 years ago. If so then there may not be an argument. However, if they were increased that drastically over say the past 5 years then this would be unconscionable. Just trying to look at it objectively.
Natalio both you and Ralph were warned not to open the gates and allow these boats to be able to come into our waters to do Buisness. Ralph opened it in his 2007 tenure as Premier and You in the unity Government.
Andrew before he went off the scene had rejected it and fixed it so it won’t be granted and you revoked what he did and passed it. The problem with you is that you dont listen.
Now you and all who was on that unity Government has opened a can of worms. It shows the lack of guts to lead properly in both the VIP and NDP.
To be fair Myron is the only Politician who takes a stand and say St.Thomas is eating our lunch.
Been eating people lunch for ages. Buffet line closed now the bawling start.
Who could do, do. Who can’t do, can’t do! Why you bawling about our new fees ? Don’t you have your own waters?
Seriously???
This is just what it is…
The White and whitish in a tuff ‘ caus Black folks plyingtheir wares in an effort to capitalise and secure their future,just like dem.
The freaking nerve..pay..REPARATIONS…
All this inconvenience and additional time and expense costing BVI time and money.
Sooo..ADD on ADITTIONAL cost,please BVI.
The karenesque figging nerve of these clams..
Allyo don’t like “tis we” hike the price tag then go elsewhere@!!!! We no longer your free tickets.
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St Barts just upderoad..
What the Feds have to do with BVI waters
People want to kill you for ypour own ting.
If they want to sail on our waters pi** on them.
Never been hungry in the bvi except for when I didn’t eat on time.
If you want to sail/go on excursions in the BVI come to the BVI!!! its simple